If you have decided to get married in Denmark and have done some research, you’ve probably come across the name Familieretshuset. In English, this the Danish Agency of Family Law, and is the authority that processes and approves all marriage applications in Denmark. It is also the first step in your wedding journey here.
Understanding how Familieretshuset works, and what they expect from you, is imperative if you want your wedding planning to go smoothly. Even though the Danish wedding process is known for being simpler than in many other countries, there are still rules and requirements that must be met. Missing information or incorrect documents can cause delays of weeks or even months, which is why it pays to know exactly what to expect from the start. Meeting the requirements is an absolutely essential first step to get married in Denmark.
Familieretshuset, or the Danish Agency of Family Law, is the national authority responsible for handling all marriage applications in Denmark. They process thousands of applications every year, and a large number of these come from international couples who choose Denmark for its simple legal process and internationally recognised marriage certificates.
While the agency also deals with other family-related matters such as adoption, parental custody, divorce, and legal name changes, their role in wedding applications is very clear. They are the first step in the process and the authority that decides whether you meet the legal requirements to marry in Denmark.
When you apply, Familieretshuset reviews your documents to confirm your identity, verify your marital status, and ensure everything complies with Danish law. Without their approval, you cannot book your ceremony at a Danish town hall or other approved venue, which by default makes them the most important part of the entire process.
In straightforward cases, they often respond rather quickly. However, if documents are missing or unclear, they may request more information, which can delay the process significantly. For this reason, many couples choose to work with a wedding agency like Wedding Planner Denmark, ensuring their application is correct and complete before submission. This greatly reduces the risk of delays and helps you move to the next stage of planning your wedding in Denmark.
On their website, Familieretshuset provides general guidelines on how to submit your application. While these guidelines are helpful, they are not tailored to your specific situation, and they will not point out subtle mistakes that can delay or derail your case.
This is where professional help can make all the difference. At Wedding Planner Denmark, we have helped hundreds of couples from around the world prepare and submit their applications correctly the first time. We know exactly what information needs extra attention, which supporting documents are often overlooked, and how to present everything in a way that meets the agency’s expectations.
Even small errors, such as an incomplete scan, a mismatch in names, or missing travel documentation, can mean your case is sent back for clarification. When this happens, your application is placed at the back of the processing queue, which can add weeks or even months to your waiting time. Choosing to work with an experienced wedding agency greatly reduces this risk and gives you peace of mind that everything has been handled correctly.
In straightforward cases where all documents are complete, accurate, and presented exactly as required, Familieretshuset often responds within five working days. In some cases, couples receive their approval within this short timeframe, allowing them to move quickly to the next stage of booking their wedding ceremony.
However, it is important to understand that this is not guaranteed. It is quite common for Familieretshuset to come back with follow-up questions or requests for additional documentation before they can make a final decision. This can happen even if you believe your application is perfect, as the agency must be certain that every legal requirement has been met. When this occurs, the initial five days can easily extend to several weeks while you gather the extra information and send it back for review.
The biggest delays happen when an application is rejected outright. In such cases, you will need to submit a new application, and the review process starts again from the beginning. Not only does it start from the beginning, it takes significantly longer, in most cases several months.
This is why it is so important to get it right the first time. By making sure your application is complete, clear, and in line with Familieretshuset’s requirements, you greatly reduce the risk of extra requests, rejections, and delays. Many international couples choose to work with an experienced wedding agency for exactly this reason. At Wedding Planner Denmark, we know the most common pitfalls, understand how the agency works, and can prepare your application so that it has the best possible chance of being approved quickly and without complications.
While Familieretshuset is the first and most important authority in your wedding process, there are two other official bodies you should know about..
Once you have received your approval from Familieretshuset, the next step is to choose your preferred wedding location and contact the town hall to book your ceremony. This is where the legal process begins to feel real, as you secure the exact time and place for your wedding day.
If you are working with Wedding Planner Denmark, almost all of our packages include assistance with this step. We can either make contact with the town hall on your behalf or guide you through the process of doing it yourself, depending on the package you have chosen. Having this support ensures that nothing is overlooked and that your booking is handled smoothly and efficiently.
It is important to be aware that some town halls are in very high demand. Copenhagen City Hall and Frederiksberg City Hall are particularly popular among international and Danish couples, which can mean long waiting times, especially during weekends or peak wedding seasons. If you have your heart set on one of these locations, it is wise to book as early as possible or to remain flexible with your preferred date. Being open to other locations can also make it easier to secure a ceremony sooner.
On the day of your wedding, you will need to present your original documents to the registrar. This usually includes your passport, visa or residence permit, and in some cases proof of your travel to and from Denmark. The registrar will then conduct the ceremony, after which you and your witnesses will sign the marriage documents. From that moment, you are officially married in Denmark.
If you need your Danish marriage certificate to be recognised in your home country, you may require an Apostille. This is an official certification confirming the authenticity of your marriage certificate so it can be legally recognised abroad. Apostilles are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Copenhagen and are only valid in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your country is not a member, a different type of legalisation will be required through your embassy or consulate.
With many of Wedding Planner Denmark’s packages, we take care of the entire Apostille process for you. We handle the submission, collection, and delivery of your legalised certificate, ensuring everything is done correctly and efficiently, so you can return home with all the necessary paperwork ready for recognition in your country.
Does it all sound a little too overwhelming already? Totally understandable. Navigating authorities and legal requirements can feel like a maze, and in a foreign country, it doesn’t exactly get simpler. That is exactly where we come in.
With hundreds of approved marriage applications and Apostilles behind us, we know the process inside out. We have strong working relationships with all the relevant Danish authorities involved in your wedding, which means we can make things happen quickly and without unnecessary stress.
We offer various packages where we can help you with most aspects of the application. Contact us today to get started.
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